7 wildlife parks in India where you can spot the rare wild dogs (dholes) in action
Discover the top 7 national parks in India where you can spot the rare Indian wild dog, or dhole. From Kanha to Bandipur, explore tiger reserves teeming with wildlife and red-coated hunters in action.
We often enter India’s jungles with one dream — to catch a glimpse of a tiger. But for those who know the forests a little better, there’s another hunter worth seeking. Smaller, swifter, and far more social — the dhole, or Indian wild dog, is one of the most fascinating predators you can encounter on safari.
2/10
With their russet coats, fan-shaped tails, and piercing whistles, dholes move through the forest like flames in motion. Spotting a pack on the prowl — tails raised, eyes glinting, communication perfectly choreographed — is a moment that can rival any tiger sighting. Here are seven national parks in India where these red-coated hunters still roam free.
3/10
1. Bandipur National Park, Karnataka In the misty forests of Bandipur, dawn breaks to the sound of cicadas and the distant call of peacocks. It’s here, amid the teak and sandalwood trees, that the dhole thrives. Often spotted trotting confidently along jeep tracks or resting in shady clearings, they’re quick, clever, and utterly captivating to watch. What else to see: Elephants, gaurs, leopards, sloth bears, and over 200 bird species, including crested serpent eagles and parakeets.
4/10
2. Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra Tadoba may be known as tiger country, but those who’ve spent enough time here know better — it’s dhole territory too. The red hunters are often seen darting through bamboo thickets or playfully splashing by Tadoba Lake. What else to see: Tigers, leopards, sambar deer, and mugger crocodiles basking by the lake. Early mornings offer the best chances for both tiger and dhole sightings.
3. Nagarhole National Park, Karnataka Part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, Nagarhole is where the wild feels truly alive. The Kabini backwaters shimmer under golden light, elephants gather in herds, and somewhere between rustling leaves, a dhole pack might appear, moving in perfect formation. What else to see: Asiatic elephants, spotted deer, leopards, and even black panthers if you’re lucky. The park is a wildlife photographer’s paradise.
6/10
4. Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh Kanha is India’s quintessential wildlife dreamscape — rolling meadows, sal forests, and morning mist that clings to the grass. While it’s best known as the inspiration for The Jungle Book, Kanha also offers some of India’s best dhole sightings. What else to see: Barasingha (swamp deer), tigers, leopards, and over 300 species of birds. The open meadows make it ideal for wildlife photography.
7/10
5. Pench National Park, Madhya Pradesh–Maharashtra Border Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book comes alive in Pench — and so do its real-life characters. The dholes here are bold, efficient hunters, often seen during morning safaris as the forest stirs to life. What else to see: Leopards, jackals, tigers, civets, and a vibrant array of birdlife including hornbills and drongos.
8/10
6. Satpura National Park, Madhya Pradesh If you crave a safari that feels raw and personal, Satpura is your kind of wilderness. Unlike most parks, Satpura allows walking and canoe safaris — and that’s what makes dhole encounters here truly unique. What else to see: Sloth bears, leopards, giant squirrels, and migratory birds along the Denwa River. It’s one of India’s most underrated wildlife experiences.
7. Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh Bandhavgarh, with its ancient forts and dense bamboo groves, is tiger territory — but it also hides another secret. A small population of dholes thrives here, often spotted near grasslands and waterholes. What else to see: Tigers, leopards, nilgai, and a wide variety of birds. The scenic ruins of Bandhavgarh Fort add a mythical charm to your safari experience.
10/10
The Red Ghosts of the Indian Forests The dhole (Cuon alpinus) is among India’s most endangered carnivores, with fewer than 3,000 individuals left worldwide. Yet, their presence keeps the forest’s balance intact. They hunt with intelligence, communicate through whistles instead of growls, and live by a code of cooperation that few predators can match. Spotting them isn’t just another tick on a wildlife checklist — it’s a glimpse into the jungle’s soul. So, the next time you head into the wild, don’t just look for stripes. Look for the rust-red flash that moves like fire through the trees — the dhole, India’s forgotten hunter.
Priyanka Roshan With over eight years in multimedia journalism, is passionate about storytelling—both visual and textual—across travel, jobs, business, markets, politics, and daily news. From crafting engaging articles to producing compelling videos, she blends creativity with strategy to bring stories to life. With a strong foundation in SEO, and video production she ensures content not only informs but also resonates with audiences.
